Mary Kom-Led Oversight Committee Failed To Take Action After Wrestlers Raised Red Flag Against Brij Bhushan Singh: Report

Former World Boxing Champion Mary Kom-led Oversight Committee failed to raise any red-flag after wrestlers had raised allegations of sexual harassment against WFI president Brij Bhushan Singh.

The committee set up the government on January 23 in the wake of first sitting protest by the India’s top-seeded wrestlers, held its first hearing in February.

However, the Oversight Committee did not show any concern on allegations and testimonies by the women wrestlers in its report submitted to the Sports Ministry in April.

On April, when the government released the committee’s ‘major findings’ it mentioned structural lapses within the federation, including the absence of an Internal Complaints Committee – but it remained silent on the allegations against Singh.

Report published by The Indian Express claimed that dozens of players, coaches, and support staff accused Singh of sexual harassment or corroborating the allegations.

After being left disappointed with lack of action against Singh and losing the faith in the committee, wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia returned to Jantar Mantar on April 23 – where they continued the protest for nearly two months.

However, the wrestlers called off their protest after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur assured them speedy investigation in the case.